Public-Aided Economic Development: A Good Idea or Corporate Welfare?

The Columbus Lawyers Chapter

Speakers:

• Dr. Richard Vedder, Professor of Economics, Ohio University
• Hon. Tim Grendell, Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Judge

Speakers:

• Dr. Richard Vedder, Professor of Economics, Ohio University
• Hon. Tim Grendell, Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Judge

Whether through JobsOhio or the ongoing public assistance for the Columbus Blue Jackets, considerable state and local government funds are being directed towards private corporations in the name of job creation. Do these programs work? Do they fundamentally differ from the federal stimulus packages, which many see as a failed effort? And are they consistent with Article 8 of the Ohio Constitution?

Leading the legal discussion will be Geauga County Judge Tim Grendell, a former State Senator and experienced litigator. Judge Grendell is an Ohio Constitutional scholar, including study of its prohibitions against joint ventures between government and private business. Commenting on whether these development programs work will be Dr. Richard Vedder, a Distinguished Professor of Economics at Ohio University. Dr. Vedder has written extensively on public policy and labor issues. His work has appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines, including the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Investor's Business Daily, Christian Science Monitor, and USA Today.

The cost is $20.00 ($5.00 for students). Members and non-members alike are always welcome.

RSVP to chapter president Maurice Thompson at [email protected]. Pay at the door or in advance by cash or by check (to The Federalist Society, P.O. Box 1434, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1434).

To join the Columbus Lawyers Chapter, include an additional $25.00 payable to The Federalist Society.